Change Your Mind with New Scientist
Manifesting - Is there any Neuroscience behind the Mood-Board?
Published: 4 June 2026 at 07:04 Europe/London
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Episode notes
Manifestation has gone mainstream. From vision boards and affirmations to TikTok trends promising abundance and success, millions of people believe they can turn their thoughts into reality. But is there any science behind it?
In this episode of Change Your Mind, New Scientist journalists Cat de Lange and Helen Thomson investigate the neuroscience of manifestation. Can visualising your goals really change your behaviour? Why does the brain focus so heavily on negative outcomes? And could techniques often dismissed as "woo" actually help you achieve what you want?
Joining them is neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan, who explains what happens in the brain when we focus our attention, challenge limiting beliefs and imagine future success. Together, they explore the surprising links between manifestation, neuroplasticity and goal-setting and reveal why the real power may not lie in the universe, but in your own mind.
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Learn more about Manifesting https://www.newscientist.com/article/2480659-can-imagining-a-better-future-really-make-it-come-true/
Learn more about our sponsor Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.newscientist.com/alzheimers-society/
Produced by Emily Bird
